Andrew cycling through Ilminster on Arthritis Research Campaign journey (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Andrew cycling through Ilminster on Arthritis Research Campaign journey

1:00pm Thursday 28th May 2009

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A FOOTBALL fan will be cycling through Ilminster next month as part of an ultimate physical challenge in aid of arthritis research.

The 30-year-old football-mad St Helens man, Andrew McMahon, is kicking off the toughest physical challenge of his life on June 1 by cycling from the most northerly football club in the UK to the furthest south in aid of the Arthritis Research Campaign.

Andrew has watched his mum Brenda suffer the pain of rheumatoid arthritis for the past 24 years and knows how painful and debilitating the disease can be.

He is planning to cycle 786 miles in two weeks, from the furthest north football ground, Elgin City, to the southernmost, Plymouth Argyle, to help his mum and the hundreds of thousands of other rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in the country.

Andrew wants to raise as much as he possibly can for the Arthritis Research Campaign, the UK’s fourth largest medical research charity which funds research into all different types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

“I have witnessed what a horrible, painful and debilitating disease it is, it breaks my heart to see her in pain and if I had the chance to swap with her I would do it in an instant,” he said. “There is no cure yet but hopefully that will one day change.”

The fork-lift truck driver, who supports Everton, has never undertaken such a physical challenge before and training has meant a dramatic change to his usual sedentary lifestyle. Andrew started training 18 months ago and now cycles at least 16 miles a day after work.

He said: “Arthritis can affect anyone, from children to young mums and older people, and the Arthritis Research Campaign is committed to finding better treatment and ultimately a cure.”

Andrew’s local Arthritis Research Campaign area appeals manager, Ruth Owen, added: “Andrew’s challenge will be a fantastic help to us. We fund a considerable amount of research into rheumatoid arthritis and one of the most successful treatments throughout the world was developed through our research.

“This is such an incredible feat that Andrew is setting himself; I wish him all the very best and hope lots of people will come out to support him and sponsor him along the way.”

Andrew starts his football club cycling challenge on June 1, cycling around 65 miles every day, from Elgin football club onto Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Ayr, Carlisle, Kendal, St. Helens, Oswestry, Hereford, Bristol, Ilminster and finally to Plymouth Argyle on June 12.

Andrew’s itinerary is as follows: June 1: Elgin City Football Club to Aberdeen; June 2: Aberdeen to Dundee; June 3: Dundee to Stirling; June 4: Stirling to Ayr; June 5: Ayr to Carlisle; June 6: Carlisle to Kendal; June 7: Kendal to St Helens; June 8: St Helens to Oswestry; June 9: Oswestry to Hereford; June10: Hereford to Bristol; June 11: Bristol to Ilminster; June 12: Ilminster to Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

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